WHILE PREPARING for the Convocation of Catholic Leaders, I paused on a statement describing a design principle for the event. In calling for missionary discipleship, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in the participant guidebook cites Pope Francis’ caution that “‘mere administration’ can no longer be enough.”

A six-month search for a new president and CEO for one of the largest humanitarian relief agencies in the world ended at its doorstep, with Catholic Relief Services announcing Sept. 16 that it is hiring a veteran employee – Sean Callahan, as its new president and CEO.

Jesus’ rising only changed people, His Apostles and each of us who professes His resurrection to life that could not be defeated by death, nor chained by fear, hatred and suffering. Jesus did not seek to settle scores with the Romans, Pilate, Herod, the Pharisees, the fickle mob. He just walked and spent time with His friends, accompanying them into life and love with the promise that He is always with them.

AS THE YEAR of Mercy began, on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, I remembered the popular parable: the prodigal son. Its graphic depiction of the younger son’s profligate behavior, the depth of his misery groveling for scraps among pigs, and the father’s magnanimous welcome with rings, robe, sandals and feast leave little unsaid about the father’s boundless mercy. However, the character who intrigues me is the older brother.

Two years after Super Typhoon Haiyan hit the Philippines, community members in a small town met to discuss how to survive another typhoon, what to do in case of an earthquake and how to plan for a tsunami.

The devastation caused by Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 shook the lives of millions of Filipinos, including Sister Vilma Orejola, F.L.P, director of faith formation at Sacred Heart of Jesus parish in Cambria Heights.

“Today we are here to ponder that feminine genius, to celebrate it, to thank God for it… I am convinced that a deeper recognition and a greater appreciation of this genius is key to fighting violence against women.”